Arsenal’s next five fixtures compared to Man City and Liverpool as title race heats up

Manchester City suffered yet another desperately difficult evening on Tuesday as they threw away a three-goal lead to draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League.

City had been cruising against their Dutch opponents thanks to Erling Haaland’s brace and Ilkay Gundogan’s deflected strike. However, a combination of mistakes and hard work from Feyenoord saw Pep Guardiola’s side concede three goals from the 74th minute onwards to draw the game.

The result leaves City’s confidence at an all-time low while Arsenal are in buoyant mood thanks to a 5-1 hammering of Sporting in Lisbon. After the weekend’s results, the Gunners sit just a point behind the current champions and nine behind leaders Liverpool.

However, a look at both Arsenal and City’s fixtures could show opportunities for the Gunners to leapfrog the Manchester club and begin to push towards Liverpool.

Arsenal’s next five fixtures

November 30 vs West Ham (A) at 5.30pm – Premier League

December 4 vs Manchester United (H) at 8.15pm – Premier League

December 8 vs Fulham (A) at 2pm – Premier League

December 11 vs AS Monaco (H) at 8pm – Champions League

December 14 vs Everton (H) at 3pm – Premier League

Bukayo Saka shares how he feels about Martin Odegaard being back for Arsenal

Arsenal made it two comprehensive wins in a row after the international break as they hammered Sporting CP 5-1 in their Champions League encounter in Lisbon.

The Gunners did not make the same mistake Manchester City did after Sporting started slowly against them, with Mikel Arteta’s charges quickly taking control of the game.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes got themselves on the scoresheet before the first half was over.

And though Sporting pulled one back through Goncalo Inacio early in the second half, Bukayo Saka’s penalty and Leandro Trossard’s late goal wrapped up an easy win for Arsenal.

Speaking after the game, Saka delivered an emphatic verdict on Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, who has not long returned from injury.

Three takeaways for Hansi Flick from Barcelona 3-0 Brest | UEFA Champions League

Barcelona churned out a 3-0 win over Brest last night at Montjuic, finally stopping the bleeding and getting a much-needed win.

The Catalans opened the scoring early through Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot but were then forced into a queer situation where they had numerous chances but simply could not find the finishing touch.

After plenty of chances missed, Dani Olmo netted Barcelona’s second goal of the night past the hour mark before the Polish striker again scored in extra-time to put the final nail in the coffin.

The win takes Barcelona provisionally to second place on the table, only behind Inter Milan, and they sit pretty with 12 points after five games. Liverpool and Monaco have a chance to overtake them, however, as they have a game in hand.

Barça NewsBarcelona’s number one priority – even ahead of new signings

Barcelona have shifted their focus firmly on securing a contract renewal for Pedri, ensuring his long-term future at the club remains intact, according to a recent report from Fichajes.

The young midfielder, who recently turned 22, is seen as a vital figure in sporting project and while his current deal ties him to the club until 2026, the board is eager to extend it further, possibly until 2029 or even 2030.

The club’s sporting director, Deco, is spearheading the renewal efforts and has intensified talks with Pedri’s representatives.

A significant meeting has been planned this week to finalise crucial aspects of the new deal, such as its duration and financial details.

These negotiations have been ongoing since April, showcasing the club’s determination to secure the midfielder’s services for years to come.

Pedri opens up on his Barcelona contract extension following 10/10 performance

Barcelona’s midfield maestro Pedri delivered a standout performance against Brest, earning an enthusiastic standing ovation from the crowd at the Montjuic Stadium.

The 22-year-old is currently enjoying a stellar run of form, and his contribution in the Champions League triumph has provided the team with a much-needed morale boost.

His commanding presence on the pitch and ability to control the game’s tempo have been crucial for the team’s recent successes.

Pedr’s words on contract renewal

After the match, Pedri reflected on the victory and the renewed confidence it has instilled in the squad. The win has reinforced the team’s determination.

He emphasised that maintaining focus and respecting their opponents were vital aspects of their approach. Despite Brest being seen as an underdog by many, the team understood the risks and worked hard to secure the win.

When asked about the ongoing discussions regarding his contract renewal, Pedri downplayed the topic, indicating that his priority remains on his performances and the team’s goals.

National media praises Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard after top display v Sporting

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Champions League as they stunned Sporting Lisbon 5-0 at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

The Gunners dominated proceedings from the start and found themselves ahead with seven minutes on the clock.

Gabriel Martinelli tapped home the opener before Kai Havertz extended Arsenal’s advantage with a close-range finish after 22 minutes.

The Premier League giants were 3-0 ahead by the break, with Gabriel Magalhaes heading home another at the stroke of half-time.

Sporting pulled one back early in the second-half, but Bukayo Saka restored the visitors’ big lead by converting his spot-kick.

Mikel Arteta’s men were at their destructive best on Tuesday night, but Martin Odegaard looked to be the most impressive of all.

Jurrien Timber impresses for Arsenal in 5-1 rout of Sporting CP

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Champions League with a 5-1 victory over Sporting CP on the road.

The Gunners had failed to score in their previous four away trips in the competition. They ended the goalless run with a sublime performance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

There were several stand-out performers for the London giants, but we were particularly impressed with Jurrien Timber, who started at right-back for the second game running.

The Netherlands international has largely played as a makeshift left-back this term, but the recent surgery for Ben White has allowed him to return on the right side of the defence.

The Dutchman looks much more comfortable from the role. He had a passing accuracy of 93 percent yesterday with 100 percent of crosses and 100 percent of dribbles completed.

Timber created three chances for his teammates including an assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s opener. The £32 million-rated star also made two interceptions with one clearance and one recovery.

Every word Mikel Arteta said on Sporting victory, statement win and Gabriel injury

For sure. Especially against the opponent that we played in their home. I don’t think they’ve lost here in 18 months. They’ve been in top form, they’ve been better than everyone they’ve played here. To play to that level with the fluidity that we’ve done today, very pleased.

It’s true that the result is very different. But with the performance and identity of what I saw against Inter I was very pleased. I knew that in that pathway good things were going to happen in Europe. Today we’ve been able to do that and replicate it and be more efficient in the opposition half. Very pleased because the team has played with so much courage. They are so good and watching them live I realise how good they are.

He was excellent again. I think all the boys were. If not you don’t have the dominance and the scoreline that we’ve managed to get out of the game today. They were all exceptional today.

Outstanding Arsenal thump Sporting 5-1 in Lisbon

Mikel Arteta hailed Thomas Partey’s performance in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Sporting CP in the Champions League as ‘one of the best performances I have seen from him’.

Arsenal delivered a dominant display on Tuesday night as goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes put them three in front by half time.

Gonçalo Inacio pulled a goal back for Sporting shortly after the break but Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard struck to seal Arsenal’s win.

Partey, meanwhile, registered an impressive performance at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield and Arteta has backed the 31-year-old to be a ‘massive player’ for his side this season.

Bukayo Saka scored one goal and set up another as Arsenal thrashed Portuguese side Sporting 5-1 in their Champions League clash at the Estadio Jose Alvalade yesterday, their biggest away win in the competition in 21 years.

Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal ahead early on before Kai Havertz and Brazilian defender Gabriel added two more goals before halftime as Arsenal overwhelmed their hosts.

Jurrien Timber’s low cross eluded everyone and provided a tap-in for Martinelli at the back post inside seven minutes.

Arsenal suffer Gabriel Magalhaes injury blow as Mikel Arteta reveals issue

Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off late with injury in Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 Champions League win over Sporting CP on Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta has confirmed. The Brazilian was replaced by Jakub Kiwior with just over five minutes left in Portugal.

Speaking after the match, Arteta explained the decision to withdraw Gabriel, who scored Arsenal’s third goal of the night. “We had to make the change because he was feeling some discomfort,” the head coach explained. “I was about to make the change for Raz [Raheem Sterling], poor thing, I couldn’t make the sub. We had to get him out.”

It was the one blow at the end of a brilliant night for the Gunners. They enjoyed their biggest Champions League win for over 20 years, putting a Sporting side without Ruben Amorim to the sword from the very first minute.